Now that summer is here many people are booking their holidays, but you do not have to travel abroad to find somewhere extraordinary to visit in the UK.
Castle Combe in Wiltshire, England is often hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in not just Britain but the entire world and is the perfect place to visit for anyone travelling to the Cotswolds.
Anyone visiting this idyllic village may think they have stepped into a fairytale as its medieval stone brick cottage and quaint winding streets have been unspoiled by modern developments which makes it a great place to sightsee.
However, Castle Combe is also surrounded by natural beauty since it is nestled in the Costwolds. Those travelling to the village will also be right next to woodlands, rolling hills, and lush countryside which adds to its charming atmosphere.
Castle Combe’s houses have been described as “so pretty they should be on a postcard” by Country Living due to its “ancient, honey-hued” cottages, and it has also been named one of the “most beautiful villages in the world” by Condé Nast Traveller.
CN Traveller wrote: “Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village located in the southwest county of Wiltshire. No new houses have been built here since the 1600s, so the town is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and old pubs and churches.”
This picture-perfect village is the best place to travel for anyone who loves taking lots of pictures, and the old village bridge that crosses the River Bybrook is considered the most iconic place to snap a photograph due to its stunning location.
History lovers will also love Castle Combe due to its many medieval buildings such as the beautiful St Andrew’s church, which was first founded in the 13th century.
The church has the tomb of Sir Walter de Dunstanville, Baron of Castle Combe who was a crusader who died in 1270, and also features a little shop known for its adorable postcards.
It is also a fantastic visit for movie lovers as Castle Combe has been the setting on many iconic films such as the 1960s Doctor Dolittle, but more recently featured heavily in the 2007 fantasy hit film Stardust and the 2011 Steven Spielberg film War Horse.
Castle Combe will appeal to anyone who wishes to take things slow and have a relaxing holiday as it is a place to take nature walks, visit historic places and spend the evening enjoying a drink at the pub.
Anyone going on a nature walk should make sure to grab a lunch hamper at the village’s famous Little Picnic Shop which sells everything you need for a summer feast.
However, those wanting the real English countryside experience should visit The Old Rectory Pop-up Tearoom where they can be treated to afternoon tea with homebaked cakes, sandwiches and a cup of tea served in a proper china set.
There is also The Old Stables, a more informal but cosy coffee shop in the village where you can tuck into a bacon sandwich or steaming beverage of your choice.
Many of the homes in Castle Combe also have little stalls outside selling local and homemade produce such as jams, cakes or sweets which are perfect to buy while exploring the village.
Anyone wishing to visit Castle Combe should consider going soon according to Jamie, a travel expert and founder of Explore with Ed, who said the village looks its best in the middle of summer.
He said: “The prettiness of Castle Combe is perhaps at its peak in the height of summer when the honey-coloured cottages are graced with colourful climbing plants and overflowing window baskets.”